ASTV (Afrikaanse Satelliettelevisie), channel 150 on the StarSat platform, is a versatile Afrikaans television channel targeted at the Afrikaans community. With an array of quality programming for the whole family, viewers will be treated to a variety of programmes from music, to cooking with a strong focus on embracing the Afrikaans culture and lifestyle.
The channel is run by husband and wife team, Jaco and Hilda Ferreira. Having cut his teeth working for Pieter Cilliers and various shows on kykNET, Jaco Ferreira and his business partner and wife started a television channel in Rustenburg.
“People will laugh and think we are crazy if I told them that we started this television channel in the dining room with R20 000 in our bank account,” says Hilda. “The money wasn’t a lot, but we believed in the success that the channel will have.” They both quit their jobs and started working on ASTV full time. Five other people believed in the success of the channel and bought shares and so this new Afrikaans channel was born.
When StarSat approached ASTV to become the only Afrikaans channel on their platform, the Ferreira’s Jdream quickly became a reality.
The slogan of their channel means “For our people” and with this, they hope to reach as many people with ASTV. Some of the programming includes the popular angling show Vaskap as well as ashows on landmarks, people, gardens and even visits to celebrities’ homes on the lifestyle programme, In Die Kollig, hosted by Sarahann Doherty.